Motives to holy living, or, Heads for meditation divided into consideratins, counsels, duties : together with some forms of devotion in litanies, collects, doxologies, &c.

§. 171.

IV. MEDITATIONS on the unspeakable Joys of HEAVEN.

1. Consider here, that the greatest Saints, and also our Lord himself, have set before them this Contemplation as a most effective motive to encourage them against all pre∣sent labours and hardships. Inclinavi cor meum ad faciendas justificationes tuas in aeternum, propter retributionem, saith Holy David, Psal, 118. and Moses esteemed the rebuke of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Aegypt; for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward, saith the A∣postle of Him, Heb. 11.26. And our Lord (saith the same Apostle, Ibid. 12. c. 2. v.) for the joy that was set be∣fore

him, endured the Cross having despised the shame. And, Rejoyce (saith our Lord, Matt. 5.12. to his Disciples) and be exceeding glad, for your reward is very great in Heaven. And again: In this rejoyce not, that the Spirits are subdued unto you: but rather rejoyce because your names are written in the Heavens. Luk. 10.20.

2. Consider (to ascend by degrees in the survey of this future bliss according as the Scripture, in many fair Meta∣phors, and Similitudes, hath represented it unto us) first at the resurrection the contemptible dust of these our vile bodies, wherever scattered and dispersed by the four winds, carefully gathered together again by God's holy Angels.

He shall send his Angels, and they shall gather together his chosen from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matt. 24.31.

The harvest is the end of the world: the reapers be the Angels. Matt. 13.39.

Raised again by the love and affection to us

Of our omnipotent and dearest Saviour

And this is the Fathers will, That of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day &c.

And —I will raise him up at the last day. Jo. 6.39, 40.

And of God his and our Father.

For if we believe that Jesus dyed and rose again, even so them also which sleep by Jesus, will God bring with him. 1. Thess. 4.14.

Raised again by the sound of the Trumpet, signifying our Lord's approach before, or together with, the change that shall be of the Saints also then living, who then shall be caught up into the air, and saved from the last flood of Fire that shall destroy the world, as righteous Noah and his Sons were from the flood of Water that destroyed it. See Matt. 24.36.40, 41. comp. Luk. 17.37. —2. Pet. 3.6, 7, 12. —1. Thess. 4.16. —1. Cor. 15.52. —2. Thess. 2.1.

These bodies then not built of corruptible flesh and blood:

Now this I say, That flesh and blood cannot possess the Kingdome of God. 1. Cor. 15.50. See 1. Cor. 6.13.

But made like unto the Angels of God in heaven. Matt. 22.30. Act. 6.15.

Raised not in dishonour but in glory. 1. Cor. 15.43. not in weakness but in power:

Immortal, Spiritual, 1. Cor. 15.44.

Celestial, vers. 40.

being an house of God. —An house from heaven, 2. Cor. 5.2.

bearing the image of the heavenly 1. Cor. 15.49.

Fashioned like unto the Son of God's glorious body; Who will reform our vile body that it may be configured to his glorious body, Phil. 3.21.

Glorious not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and unspotted, Eph. 5.27.

Like our Saviour whatever his Glory is, 1. Jo. 3.2. Sons of God in a glory and fashion suitable to this Title Luk. 20.36. by being then Sons of the Resurrection. And Adoption and Redemption of our Body (saith the A∣postle) which as yet we groan and wait for. Rom. 8.23. —2. Cor. 5.2.

These Eagles gathered together where our Lord is: and our Bodies caught up (as his was) in the clouds to meet our dearest Lord in the highest regions of the air; and so to be ever with him, 1. Thess. 4.17.

Descending with him coming to Judgment; and there after our receiving an Absolution before the Tribu∣nal of Christ, (through the application of his merits to all his members informed with his Spirit) and after the sentence [Venite Benedicti!] sitting together with him or standing about his Throne in his passing Judg∣ment upon the wicked, Angels and Men. 1. Thess. 4.14. Matt. 19.28. —1. Cor. 6.2.3. —2. Thess. 1.1.8.10.

Now all things made new Rev. 21.5. A new earth and a new heaven, wherein inhabiteth [no more sin but all purity and] justice created for them. 2. Pet. 3.13. And this new world enlightened by the glory of God himself, Rev. 21.23.

We here made partakers of the lot of the Saints in Light, Col. 1.12.

Admitted to have fellowship with all the just men that ever were consummated and made perfect, Heb. 12.22.

Coming to the general Assembly and Church of the first born, Heb. 12. Made fellow-citizens &c. Eph. 2.29. Sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Matt. 8.11.

To an innumerable company of Angels. To Jesus the Mediator, Heb. 12.24. Now making up al∣together the measure of the stature of the fulness and compleatment of our Saviour's Body, Eph. 1.23. —4.13.

To see him now as he is, 1. Jo. 3.2.

To God the Judge of all, Heb. 12, 23. To behold the face of God, Matt. 5.8. —Apoc. 22.4.

Then to enter into a restored life, Matt. 18.8.

Life eternal, everlasting.

In which life to enjoy rest from our labours, Rev. 14.13.

A perpetual Holy-day, and Sabbath, Heb. 4.9.

to be comforted, Luk. 16.25.

having all tears wiped away from our eyes, Rev. 7.17. —21.4.

Where there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, nor pain, Rev. 21.4.

No hungring nor thirsting any more.

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more: no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, nor pain; quoniam priora transierunt.

And the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall

feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water. Rev. 7.16, 17. —21.4.

There to have our knowledge perfected, 1. Cor. 13.12.

And our Appetite satisfied. Satiabor cum apparuerit Glo∣ria tua. Psal. 17.15.

To be rewarded with an open, Matt. 6.4. full, 2. Jo. 8. great, Matt. 5.12. exceeding great, Gen. 15.1. Reward, pressed down, and running over. Which all the afflicti∣ons of this life were not the least worthy of, 2. Cor. 14.17.

There to possess all Riches.

Without fear of Moth, or rust, or thief, Matt. 6.19.

Having in Heaven an induring substance, Heb. 10.34.

Receiving for all our former Losses an hundred fold, Matt. 19.29.

To enjoy all Honour:

To be made Kings;

Coheirs of God's heavenly Kingdome with his only Son: Possessed of an exceeding eternal weight of glory, 2. Cor. 4.17.

Shining as the brightness of the Firmament, as the Stars, Dan. 12.3. as the Sun, Matt. 13.43.

having Crowns, Palms, Thrones, Rev. 7.9.

sitting with Christ in his Throne, Rev. 3.21.

Judging the Nations. —Angels: 1. Cor. 6.3. ruling over the Nations. Rev. 2.26, 27.

Made like unto the Son of God our B. Saviour, 1. Jo. 3.6.

To enjoy all Pleasures.

Arrayed in fine linnen clean and white, Rev. 19.8. prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev. 21.2. And there married unto the Lamb, Rev. 19.7. The ra∣vished spouse shall cry out, I have found him whom my Soul loveth, I will hold him, and will not let him go, Cant. 3.4. Blessed are they who are called to the marriage Supper of the Lamb, Apoc. 19.9. Blessed be those Servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching. Verily I say

unto you that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. Luk. 12.37. They shall come from the East and from the West, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdome of Heaven, Matt. 8.11. I will drink no more of this fruit of the Vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my fathers King∣dome, Matt. 26.29. On either side of the River was the tree of life which had twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month &c. Let him that is a thirst come and who∣soever will let him take the water of life freely. Apoc. 22.2; 17. Entring into the never-ending joy of our Lord, Matt. 25.23. In whose presence is fulness of joy, and at whose right hand pleasures for evermore, Psal. 16.11. Whether St. Paul was caught up, and there heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter: and of such a one (saith he) may I glory, 2. Cor. 12.1. &c. Where their Soul is to be satisfied with marrow and fatness, that their month is still praising with joyful lips, Psal. 63.5. Where they are so ra∣vished with his beauty and holiness, that for ever they are do∣ing nothing but gazing in his face, Matt. 18.10. Rev. 22.4. and celebrating it and crying, holy, holy, holy, Rev. 4.8. Hallelujah Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb. Great and marvelous are thy works Lord God Almighty, just and true are thy ways thou King of Saints. Thou art worthy O Lord to receive Glory and Honour and Power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created, Amen. Blessing, and glory, and wisdome, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might be unto our God for ever and ever, Amen. Rev. 4.11. —7.10.12. — 15.3. — 19.6.

Happy are the men, happy are these thy servants which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdome, 1. King. 10.8.1. Thou hast ravished mine heart, thou hast ravished mine heart. Tell my Beloved that I am sick of Love.

One thing have I desired of the Lord that I will seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, &c. Psal. 27.4.

How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts, My Soul longeth, yea even fainteth, for the Courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cryeth out for the living God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, and are still praising thee, Psal. 84.1, 2.4.

Lastly filled with all the fulness of God, Eph. 3.19. For Christ ascended into Heaven that so he might fill all things, Eph. 4.10.

Made all one with Christ and with God. As thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made per∣fect in one, Jo. 17.21.23.

That God may be all in all, 1. Cor. 15.28.

Next view the City where this Society of Saints live. A City of most firm Foundations not to be shaken, whose builder and maker is God himself, Heb. 11.10.—12.28.— 8.2.5. In a better country the heavens, Heb. 11.16. And those made anew for the purpose, Rev. 21.1. Allusively described and painted to our imaginations by the most glori∣ous and perfect things that here fall under the knowledge of sense, Rev. 21, and 22. Chapters.

The City made in fashion of a Cube the most stable figure, Rev. 21.16.

The streets of it pure Gold, as it were transparent Chry∣stal, Rev. 21.21.11. —4.6.

The Foundations garnished with all manner of pre∣cious stones, See Rev. 4.3. Jasper, Saphire, Emerald, &c. ver. 19.

The walls of Jasper, clear as Chrystal, &c. ver. 18.11. these stones too having the glory of God (ver. 11.) shi∣ning upon them.

The 12. Gates, 12. Pearls, Every several Gate of one Pearl.

These always standing open because never night, freely to receive all nations (ver. 24, 25.) And at the 12 Gates 12 Angels to guard them, that nothing abomi∣nable or defiling enter in there at: But only those that are written in the Lambs Book of Life, Rev. 21.27.

1. Within it a pure river of water of life proceeding out of the Throne of God, and of the Lamb, Rev. 22.1. In the Piazza of the City, Paradise watered with its streams, ver. 2. and in it the tree of life exposed, always bearing fruit, and ever flourishing with an unfading leaf, having the cure of all evils in the leaves, the yield∣ance of all delicacies in the fruits, and variety of these for every month. See ver. 2.

2. The Glory of God and of the lamb not resident in one part of the Temple as formerly, but the Temple thereof, Rev. 21, 22.

And the glory of them likewise the Sun thereof, ver. 23. [For what other light can transcend that of the glorified Saints, who themselves shine as the Sun.]

All things there Holy. Nothing that defileth en∣tring into it, nothing wicked or abominable, Rev. 21.8.

27. No more Curse or Malediction there, Rev. 22.3. And when you have viewed the City then look into it, and view once more the inhabitants thereof. All Sons of Nobles, Kings with Crowns. Triumphant with Palms. Cloathed all in white bright radiating Robes, and shining as the Sun.

Wonder at their endless inviolable Concord. A City at unity in it self. More united than Friends, being all Brethren. Then Brethren, being Fellow-members all of one and the same Body. And more united yet than Members, In as much as the Spirit of God, by which they are joyned, hath a more excellent power and vertue in compacting the Members of Christ, then the Soul hath in those of the Body. By which union it is, that

all the honour, glory, inheritance in the Heavens, which to all of them is but one, is all of it unto every one of them.

Then behold (because the more pleasure ariseth from the variety of the Object) not all these Stars of an equal mag∣nitude, but after that nothing seems addible to the splendor of the first, yet continual ascendent degrees in this sphere of glory, and other yet higher lights far transcending the former in their lustre; yet so as the glory of the highest is also challenged and owned by the lowest, as all being but the same Body without all schisme, or knowledge of envy, no more than the foot doth the higher place or offices of the hand or the eye.

Behold then here a rising Throne: 1. Of an innumerable company of the common People of Saints, yet all glorious in Majesty.

Advanced above them, caeteris paribus, the Quire of pure Virgins, that have remained holy in Body as well as Spirit. 1. Cor. 7.34. See 1. Cor. 6.13. Rev. 14.4.1.

Above these higher yet Holy Confessors.

Above them the White Army of Martyrs.

Yet higher the Society of the [Luk. 13.28.] Holy Pro∣phets, Matt. 10.41. Evangelists, Patriarchs, Apostles, Luk. 22.28. with their Seats round about the throne of God, Rev. 44.

Higher yet the Blessed Virgin Mother of God, and the most highly favoured amongst all Creatures, Luk. 28.30.

Then see the domestick attendance of the Almighty.

Beside his Throne, Rev. 5.11. that winged Host of hea∣venly Ministers, all distinguished in a wonderful Order.

• Angels,
• Arch-Angels,
• Powers,
• Dominions,
• Thrones,
• Cherubims,
• Seraphims,

And the seven Spirits of God, the seven Lamps of Fire, burning always before the throne, always standing in his presence, Zach. 4.10. Rev. 4, 5. —5, 6. Luk. 1.19. Dan. 10.13. Rev. 1.4. —8.2.

Lo yet higher in the midst of the Throne of the Almighty Rev. 5, 6. above all the family of Heaven and Earth, sit∣ting on the right hand of the Majesty in the highest far a∣bove every name that is named, not only in this world but in the world to come, Eph. 1.21. Upon whose Vesture is written King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Rev. 19.16. at whose name the knees of all things bow, &c. Phil. 2.10. Angels, and Authorities, and Powers being made subject unto him 1. Pet. 3.22. to whom it was an honour to see him, and who had a great desire to look into the mystery of his Redemption, being God manifested in the flesh; in whom the manifold wisdome of God before hidden, was made known unto them by the Church: And lastly, who gave them a nearer, and more honourable relation unto the Di∣vinity, being now gathered together with us into one Body under him their Head, 1, Pet. 1.12. —1. Tim. 3.16. Eph. 3.10. Col. 1.20. —2.10. Behold this Person, I say, not an Angel, but a Man, Jesus our Glorious Redeemer, making us now equal to those perfect Spirits, our flesh, nature, image, above them. Him glorious and admired by all his Saints in that day, 2. Thess. 1.10. Described, Dan. 10.6. Rev. 1.13, 14. Rev. 4.8. Shining as fine mettal burn∣ing in a Furnace, his countenance as the Sun shining in his strength. Blessed are they of whom in that day of his Glory he will not be ashamed.

And lastly, see the employment and action of this heaven∣ly Quire mixed of Men and Angels, but under the presidence of a man. 'Tis perpetual musick, and singing new Hymns of Victory and Triumph, Rev. 5.8, 9. —14.3. —15.3. Every day a Sabbath, and they in it resting from all labour and ce∣lebrating Divine Service. Never ceasing all this long day

of Eternity (for there is no night, Apoc. 21.15. —22.5.) from their Doxologies, holy, holy, holy, &c. They rest not day and night, saying, &c. Apoc. 4.8. [for what can they do, that are always ravished with joy, but always praise the Author thereof.] falling down and worshipping, Rev. 5.14. and casting down their Crowns before the Al∣mighty with a Dignus es &c. in admiration of his wisdome and thankfulness for this their happiness, Rev. 4.11. Ra∣vished with the sight of their God, and burning with an equal love one toward another. O how shall we sing the Lords song in a strange land. Psal. 137.4.

O si vidisses sanctorum in coelo coronas perpetuas &c. Scribe, lege, canta, geme, tace, ora, sustine contraria: Digna est his omnibus & majoribus praeliis vita aeterna. Kempis, 3. l. 47. c.